1) Explain a little about your role at WestBridge …
I am an Investment Analyst within the Investment Team. As part of my role, I work with the team on any transactions we are undertaking across our target markets. This includes building financial models to evaluate the potential opportunity presented by deals, writing investment papers, and supporting origination efforts across different geographical locations. I also work with senior team members to support the development of our portfolio businesses.
2) Tell us about one of your career highs …
Throughout my career, I have always enjoyed building strong working relationships with people in a short space of time. At the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic I was working in management consultancy. As the pandemic began, I was able to work alongside a group of incredible individuals providing specialist operational support to set up the NHS Exeter Nightingale Hospital. It was a highly stressful environment, but by building some strong working relationships and ensuring clear communication throughout the team, we achieved our goal. It was extremely rewarding to be part of the team. Since joining the WestBridge team, I have seen how people skills and relationship building are at the centre of how we achieve success in our investments, both in day-to-day business and through our ongoing work with our portfolio management teams.
3) A great piece of advice …
It is a little clichéd but I have always been told to, ‘do what is right, not what is easy’. I think this can be applicable across all areas of life, from how you approach work and those you interact with in business, to how you look out for others in day-to-day life. Acting with integrity and standing up for what is right should be at the centre of what we do.
4) One thing I’d change about the world of private equity …
Although it is now an area of increasing focus across the industry, I believe the private equity world could do more to drive sustainable business improvement across portfolio companies. The ‘ESG agenda’ needs to be more than just a buzz word used by firms, it needs to be a key consideration when assessing any investment opportunity. On a macro level, if we ensure businesses consider the impact of their operations on the climate, their employees, and the communities around them, and identify actions to improve this impact over time, it will accelerate positive change across the global market.
5) Outside work, I enjoy …
Rugby, skiing, fishing and generally all sports, but I also love spending time with friends and family, those times are incredibly special.